Cong ready to go alone in coming polls in K'taka

Hubli, Karnataka, Oct 22 (UNI) KPCC President R V Deshapande today said though the Congress in Karnataka was ready to fight alone in the coming byelections, it will consider any poll pact offers from the Janata Dal(S) to defeat the BJP.

Addressing a workers meeting here, he said the Congress had been strong enough to face the election alone.

The JD(S) had expressed its support in the election of Legislative Council from undivided Dharwad District.

The party had no problem in holding discussion with JD(S) for future poll alliance. But, if the talks failed, the Congress would fight elections alone, he clarified.

The Congress had taken the present election to Council as a challenge and would give a 'fitting reply' to the BJP, he said.

Criticising the BJP government, he said Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa had betrayed the people by going back on his promises given to farmers, while the government was giving shelter to those involved in attacks on places of worship of the minorities.

Speaking on this occasion, Former Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Mallikarjuna Kharge deplored the Chief Minister for turning ''a blind eye'' towards farmers after seeking votes from them.

Former Chief Minister Dharma Singh alleged Mr Yeddyurappa had become a representative of religious mutts and not of the people.

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